Response to Comment on 2010 SOC:
Docket Number 08-0464

(part A) Docket No. 08-0464 requested adding "distribution center order puller" as an illustrative example for 43-5081 Stock Clerks and Order Fillers to better distinguish this occupation from 53-7062 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand. The SOCPC did not accept this recommendation. Because distribution center order pullers do not put merchandise onto sales floors, these workers are correctly classified in 53-7062 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand or 53-7051 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators.

(part B) Docket No. 08-0464 requested the SOCPC provide guidance on where to classify Digitizers in the apparel embroidering manufacturing industry. The SOCPC agreed that Digitizers should be classified under 51-6099 Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other and recommended adding an illustrative example, "Embroidery Digitizer." Digitizers put designs into digital form for use by embroidery machines. Tasks can be learned on-the-job and require more knowledge of textiles than of computers.

(part C) Docket No. 08-0464 requested removing the detailed occupation 53-3031 Driver/Sales Workers because it is not well-differentiated from the other driver occupations. In May 2007, the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program reported employment of almost 400,000 jobs in the occupation. The SOCPC did not accept the recommendation to remove this occupational category from the 2010 SOC, but modified the definitions for driver occupations.

(part D) Docket No. 08-0464 requested modifying the definitions for 43-5021 Couriers and Messengers and 53-3033 Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers to clarify how to classify drivers of delivery service vehicles other than trucks. The SOCPC recommended classifying these workers in 53-3033 Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers and modifying the definitions to clarify the distinction. The SOCPC also recommended a revised title for 53-3033.

(part E) Docket No. 08-0464 requested modifying the definitions of 39-9021 Personal and Home Care Aides and 31-1011 Home Health Aides to clarify the distinctions between the two occupations. The SOCPC recognized some of the same problems the commenter pointed out and the new 2010 definitions will address these issues.

(part F) Docket No. 08-0464 requested modifying the definition for 49-9031 Home Appliance Repairers to include commercial appliances, such as those used in commercial bakeries or restaurants. The SOCPC did not accept this recommendation based on Classification Principle 1 which states that occupations are assigned to only one occupational category and Classification Principle 2 which states that occupations are classified based on work performed. Repairers who work on such equipment could be classified in multiple occupations, depending on the work performed. These occupations include: 49-9021 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers; 49-9041 Industrial Machinery Mechanics; and 49-9071 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General.

(part H) Docket No. 08-0464 requested modifying the definitions or illustrative examples for 51-2041 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters and 51-4121 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers to better differentiate between the two occupations and clarify how to classify Welder-Fabricators. The SOCPC did not accept this recommendation to change the definitions because the SOCPC determined that the existing definitions were sufficiently distinct. Additionally, individual welder-fabricators may be classified differently based on work performed. Specifically, as stated in Coding Guideline 2, workers should be coded in the occupation that requires the highest level of skill. If there is no measurable difference in skill requirements, workers should be coded in the occupation in which they spend most of their time.